Description
This no-nonsense guide shows you how an understanding of anatomy and biomechanics, coupled with the latest strengthening exercises and rehab protocols, can keep you running injury-free for a long time to come.
Each time your foot hits the ground while running, an impact force averaging three times your weight travels through your body at more than 200 miles per hour, causing your bones to vibrate and tendons to stretch. When you consider that the average runner strikes the ground more than 10,000 times per hour, this translates into a remarkable amount of force that needs to be absorbed, and explains why nearly 50% of recreational runners are injured each year.
The purpose of this book is to show you that impact forces are not necessarily harmful. By modifying your running form and doing specific exercises to improve tendon resiliency, not only can you effectively absorb these forces, but you can also store and return a significant percentage of them in the form of elastic recoil. Besides reducing your risk of injury, efficiently storing and returning energy can allow you to run faster with less effort.
With more than 200 illustrations and 300 references, this book reviews how to:
- Perform an at-home gait analysis to make specific changes in your running form that can reduce impact forces and improve performance.
- Decrease your risk of injury by identifying problems with strength, flexibility, and/or neuromotor coordination using specific functional tests.
- Incorporate new exercises to enhance the storage and return of energy in your tendons.
- Select the running shoe that is right for you.
- Treat 25 of the most common running-related injuries with the most up-to-date, scientifically justified treatment protocols available.
C (verified owner) –
This book has an amazing amount of information, and so many helpful anatomy diagrams! Dr. Michaud has done an excellent job collecting the information you need to understand the biomechanics of running, and how to prevent and treat injuries. This second edition adds a new chapter about gait analysis, an updated chapter on running shoes, and updates to the final chapter about injury prevention and treatment protocols.
Chapter 1 is an anatomy review. There are many pages of diagrams, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves; with cross-sections and excellent informative descriptions. Chapter 2 goes over the biomechanics of walking and running. Chapter 3 identifies risk factors that can contribute to injury. Chapter 4 includes exercises and stretches to help prevent injury, as well as a gait analysis test that you can do at home. Chapter 5 discusses different types of running shoes, and gives some recommendations about factors to consider when selecting the best shoe for you. Chapter 6 covers treatment protocols for a variety of different injuries.
I was so impressed with the labeled diagrams of the connective tissues of the legs and feet, and also the various pictures demonstrating running-form issues that can cause injuries. This book gives you so much information, starting with anatomy down to the cellular level, so you can learn how to keep yourself injury-free for years to come.
Matthew Dilnot (verified owner) –
This 2nd edition is a wonderful update to one of the best books on the subject of managing common injuries in runners. It takes all of the best clinically effective treatments for each injury and presents them in the most useful way that they can be applied.
This book is a veritable cheat sheet for practitioners as well. No one can stay abreast of all the information available, even if you are running coach or sports practitioner. This book is both a reminder, prompter and educator for everyone involved in running injury management.
pinsandneedles (verified owner) –
As a fairly new runner I have found this book really valuable in ascertaining problems and utilising the stretches to prevent the problems reoccurring. Useful article on gait as well. Would recommend 👍🏻
Mrs KLP (verified owner) –
Properly referenced and well written. Comprehensive review of problems associated with running and how to treat or avoid them.
Gretchen (verified owner) –
I continue to review this book as needed as part of my training “tool box” for any recent injury, injury prevention and overall knowledge of the running mechanics. Details related to gait assessment, in-depth instructions and detail of suggested exercises and injury prevention recommendations. It keeps me from wasting time trying to research on-line versus having this as a quick and helpful reference.
Brad Benson (verified owner) –
I have been running for 50 years and this is the best book I have ever seen. It has already solved running injuries that three Physical Therapists were unable to. Yes, it’s that good.
Runners retreat (verified owner) –
Up to date information regarding the theory behind the Running Cycle and the associated problems with running injuries…..well worth the pennies…
J. Miller (verified owner) –
Dr. Michaud provides insights and experience that are unmatched. His detail and analysis on everything from the shoe guide to knee problems is truly extraordinary. This book has allowed me to continue running for many years past my “prime”. Thanks Tom
Alexis (verified owner) –
Good booo for knowint the basics about injury free running, very good exercises and tips for treat some injuries ando also decrease the rate of them
T J Benson (verified owner) –
A complete book on ” Running “